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He waited longer than any other heir in history, but the crown is finally upon King Charles III’s head.
The King entered through the great west door of Westminster Abbey on Saturday morning as the choir sang Hubert Parry’s “I Was Glad,” which was composed for the coronation of King Edward VII.
King Charles wore a long dark red robe as he slowly proceeded through the church behind his wife, Camilla, the queen consort.
Prince William’s eldest son, Prince George, was one of four honour pages carrying the train of his grandfather’s robe.
The medieval tradition began with the Archbishop of Canterbury presenting Charles III to the congregation as the “undoubted king.” The archbishop then asked members of the congregation to show their support with the chant.
The church erupted with the cheer and a trumpet fanfare.
Three other presenters followed the archbishop, repeating the same words. Each time, the chorus of voices thundered back their support.
For each of the four cheers, the King turned in a different direction to represent the cardinal points of the compass.
He took a solemn oath to govern the people of the United Kingdom with “justice and mercy” and to foster an environment where people of all faiths and beliefs can live freely. He placed his hand on the Bible and later kissed it.
The service was modified to acknowledge the change in the religious makeup of the United Kingdom.
For the first time, Buddhist, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim and Sikh religious leaders played a part in the coronation.
Charles was then annointed, the most sacred and intimate part of the coronation rituals.
He and Camilla removed their crimson Robes of State and dressed in a white linen tunic. Charles sat on the ancient oak Coronation Chair, which has been part of every coronation since 1308. A screen was brought in to cover what is meant to be a moment only between sovereign and God.
With the crown on his head and orb and sceptre in hand, Prince William knelt before his father to pledge his loyalty to the monarch.
“I will bear unto you, as your liege man of life and limb. So help me God,” William said.
Rain was falling as the King and Queen exited the church and into the Gold State Coach, a gilded carriage that has been used in every coronation since 1831.
Mounted troops led the way as 4,000 armed service members marched through central London.
The coronation culminated with the King and Queen, along with other members of the Royal Family, waving to the crowds from the balcony of Buckingham Palace.
It was the first coronation ceremony for the British monarchy since 1953, when Charles’ mother, Queen Elizabeth II, was crowned. The Queen died in September and Charles ascended the throne.
— With files from The Canadian Press
Britain’s King Charles III and Queen Camilla wave to the crowds from the balcony of Buckingham Palace after their coronation ceremony, in London on May 6, 2023. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)